USDA Awards $14.3M for Akamai Ion Software to Thundercat Technology, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,278,255 ($14.3M)

Contractor: Thundercat Technology, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2021-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: AKAMAI ION SOFTWARE

Place of Performance

Location: FORT COLLINS, LARIMER County, COLORADO, 80521

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $14.3 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: AKAMAI ION SOFTWARE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for Akamai Ion Software, a content delivery network solution. 2. Thundercat Technology, LLC is the prime contractor. 3. The contract falls under 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519). 4. Spending is concentrated within the Department of Agriculture, specifically the OCFO. 5. The contract has a duration of 5 years.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award value is $14.3 million over 5 years. Without specific pricing details or benchmarks for Akamai Ion Software, it's difficult to definitively assess value. However, the duration suggests a significant commitment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. This suggests a competitive bidding process was utilized, which typically leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by leveraging market competition to secure the best possible pricing.

Public Impact

Ensures continued access to critical content delivery network services for the Department of Agriculture. Supports the operational efficiency of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. Potential for improved website performance and data delivery for USDA services. The contract's duration indicates a long-term reliance on this specific software solution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 78 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics tied to the award.
Potential vendor lock-in with a 5-year contract.
Limited visibility into the specific components of 'Akamai Ion Software' being procured.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Clear contract duration and award amount.
Specific agency and office identified for the service.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls under IT services, specifically related to network infrastructure and software. Spending benchmarks for similar content delivery network solutions can vary widely based on features, scale, and provider. This award represents a significant investment in IT infrastructure for the USDA.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the prime contractor is Thundercat Technology, LLC. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business subcontracting goals or participation in this specific award. Further investigation would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Agriculture's Office of the Chief Financial Officer. Oversight would involve monitoring contract performance, adherence to terms, and financial accountability throughout the contract's lifecycle. The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' indicates a structured procurement process.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Office of the Chief Financial Officer Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Potential for price increases in future renewals.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical IT infrastructure.
Limited information on specific software functionalities procured.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $14.3 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC. AKAMAI ION SOFTWARE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Office of the Chief Financial Officer).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific features and performance levels of Akamai Ion Software are being procured, and how do they align with USDA's operational needs?

The provided data does not detail the specific features or performance metrics of the Akamai Ion Software being procured. Understanding these specifics is crucial to assess if the $14.3 million award represents good value for the intended use by the USDA's OCFO. Further documentation would be needed to confirm alignment with operational requirements and justify the investment.

What is the benchmark pricing for comparable content delivery network solutions of similar scope and duration to assess the competitiveness of this award?

Without access to detailed pricing structures for Akamai Ion Software or comparable CDN services, establishing a precise benchmark is challenging. However, the use of full and open competition suggests an effort to achieve competitive pricing. A thorough analysis would require comparing this award against market rates for similar enterprise-level CDN contracts.

How will the effectiveness of the Akamai Ion Software be measured throughout the 5-year contract period to ensure optimal performance and taxpayer value?

The provided data lacks information on performance metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) established for this contract. Effective oversight would require defining measurable outcomes related to website performance, content delivery speed, and reliability. Regular reviews and reporting against these KPIs are essential to ensure the software's effectiveness and justify the ongoing expenditure.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Thundercat Technology LLC

Address: 11190 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 200, RESTON, VA, 20191

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,823,371

Exercised Options: $14,278,255

Current Obligation: $14,278,255

Actual Outlays: $14,278,255

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD26B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline